MOSAIC MOMENTS

Special Reads provides a very unique way to teach early reading for those with Down syndrome, Autism, and other developmental disabilities.

“Based on research and experience, we use oversized type, putting extra spacing between words and extra space (or “leading”) between lines. We separate illustrations from text for maximum focus and true reading. With a population of typical children, illustrations are always (and we do mean always) placed on the same visual plane as the text. The assumption is that children will be helped in learning to read by cueing off of the illustrations, and for typical children, this is generally true. But for our children with special needs, research tells us that such a juxtaposition can actually delay learning to read. Instead of helping, the illustration distracts. At Special Reads, we use the illustration as a reward, all by itself.”

I had the opportunity to read the book “I Want Pizza”. I was immediately excited about the possibilities of this book and quickly shipped it to IMDSA’s Newsletter Editor, Stephanie Jones, so that she could make a book review on it for our newsletter MOSAIC WORLD. Stephanie reviewed the book with her 5 yr old son, Aidan who has mosaic Down syndrome. It wasn’t long before Aidan began reading the words, not only in the book, but also with the included flash cards!

These books are very unique because, as the author Natalie Hale says, they place the words on one page and they child has to turn the page to see the picture. They definitely feel the “reward” for reading the words by waiting to see the picture. This also allows them to focus completely on the word and not be distracted by the pictures. The illustrations are simple, yet colorful and very fun for the children to see.

Author Natalie Haleis a parent (Rebecca, 20, and Jonathan, 21, who has Down Syndrome, ADHD, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder), author, illustrator, graphic designer, homeschooler, and publisher. She has been speaking to parent groups on the topic Reading Made Easy for Children With Special Needs since 1990. 

Special Reads provides a reading series in 3 steps for early readers and those who are a little more experienced, but still need a little help to feel comfortable with reading. Each of the early readers comes with a CD-Rom so you can print flash cards to help your child further with their reading skills.

Special Reads also offers many other unique and helpful materials!

Money Management for Teens and Adults provides 3 different books to help teens and adults manage their checking account, budget and all their money matters. The unique part of this book is that the user does not need any advanced math skills to use the book! (maybe I need one for myself! lol)

Brain Music is “Music that primes your child’s brain for faster learning and maximum recall…Beautifully designed collections of music by Mozart and Baroque composers have been crafted by the LIND Institute and are now available at Special Reads.”

Natalie Hale also offers 2 other books that I think are very beneficial!

OH BROTHER! -Growing Up with a Special Needs Sibling

Being the brother or sister of a child with special needs can have significant challenges. And Becca has some great ideas for dealing with them–after she accepts that she can’t send her brother Jonathan to another planet!

The Little Stars Journey

An excellent therapeutic tool for abuse recovery or  trauma recovery, this book is a gift to survivors of difficulties of all kinds, whether it be childhood abuse or parents’ divorce. It is a story of courage, endurance, and unconditional love.

I highly recommend Special Reads to everyone! Your children will love the books and their self-esteem will soar when they begin to read!

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